Let’s start with some data center fire statistics. According to the Uptime Institute’s Global Survey of IT and Data Center Managers 2021, fire accounts for just 3 percent of major data center outages. Fires that result in enough damage to cause extended downtime are rare, with most quickly contained and extinguished.
However, that does not suggest that data center managers can be lax in addressing fire suppression. In fact, the reason that number is so low could be due to the adoption of effective data center fire suppression systems. Fires are unpredictable and pose the greatest threat to life and property. Strict adherence to fire codes and suppression best practices help to ensure that the risk of fire remains low.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) publishes more than 300 standards and consensus codes that have been adopted by data centers worldwide. The NFPA 75 standard applies to “Fire Protection of Information Technology Equipment,” providing requirements for data center construction, fire detection and protection equipment, and other systems and procedures.
Additionally, the NFPA published a report discussing the challenges associated with fire detection and suppression in data centers with aisle containment systems. When planning aisle containment, data center managers must consider the potential impact on fire suppression.
Hot and Cold Aisle Containment Fire Suppression Techniques
Aisle containment creates a “high airflow environment” that affects the concentration of smoke and can limit the effectiveness of detection equipment. Data center managers should install aspirating smoke detection (ASD) systems, which continuously sample air to detect even minute levels of smoke within the aisle containment environment. ASD systems may also have the ability to detect other dangerous and combustible gases that may be released in a data center fire.
More significantly, aisle containment creates a “room within a room” that blocks the dispersion of fire suppression material from ceiling-level sprinkler or clean agent systems. Aisle containment systems must have a means of eliminating roof panels in the event of a fire.
One such solution is drop-away roof panels. These panels are designed to soften and drop away in the event of a fire, allowing for unobstructed sprinkler coverage into the enclosure. They are the cost-effective solution to fire suppression, offering quick (often toolless) installation. However, their main drawback is the panels are not reusable once they drop.
Another, more permanent, approach is to use roof panel systems that interface with fire and smoke alarms. Activation of an alarm releases the connectors holding the lightweight panels, which simply angle out of the way. Once the fire is suppressed, the panels can be reattached.
Aisle Containment Solutions from Enconnex
Enconnex offers a complete line of code-compliant, customizable hot and cold aisle containment solutions to meet every need and budget. Select from rack-based, standing, or hanging frames with a variety of component and material options to suit your data center environment and energy savings plan.
Enconnex containment systems are built to your exact specs. You’ll work with an Enconnex engineer to build your ideal containment system. Containment frames, hot and cold aisle configuration, doors, roofs, panels, security, and accessories are all tailored to your needs. We keep components in stock in locations worldwide for fast delivery and competitive prices. Get in touch to start designing the perfect containment system for your business.